How to Use a Debit Card for an eBay Transaction

Finding something you like is easy on eBay, no matter what your interests are. The online auction site boasts more than 94 million users, and sold more than $62 billion in goods in 2010. EBay makes its money by claiming a portion of every sale made on the website; as such, the company makes paying for items just as easy as finding them. Sellers can choose from a number of payment options when they list an item, and buyers sometimes have the choice of paying via credit or debit card. EBay keeps your debit card information secret from sellers that accept card payments.

Log into eBay and either purchase a "Buy It Now" item or win an auction. Make sure the seller includes "Credit/Debit Card" in the list of payment options.

Click "My eBay" in the top-right portion of the screen.

Click "Won/Purchased" in the "Buy" section of the "Summary" navigation pane on the left side of the "My eBay" screen. A list of your recently won or claimed items appears in the main screen under a "Won/Purchased" heading.

Click "Pay Now" to the right of the listing for which you're ready to pay.

Review your shipping info and purchase details, making any changes as needed. Click "Continue" to enter the payment screen.

Click "Credit/Debit Card" and enter your debit card information.

Click "Confirm Your Payment."

Tips & Warnings

Only sellers with Internet merchant accounts can accept credit and debit cards on eBay. As such, most listings don't allow you to use your debit card for payment. However, most sellers accept PayPal, and you can link a debit card to your PayPal account for the same effect.

EBay also sends you an email with a "Pay Now" link after you win an item, allowing you to skip navigating to the listing in your "My eBay" page.